Kalahari Plains
Central Kalahari, Makgadikgadi and the Kalahari, Botswana
At a Glance
Incredible wildlife experiences, particularly good in the Summer months of rain, or shortly after
Learn about the Kalahari specialists, from black maned lions down to meerkats
A fantastic combination with the more widely known wilderness areas to the North
Head out on foot with the San Bushman, they know the Kalahari better than anyone else
Sleep out on the roof-deck of your room, marvel at the Milky Way and fall asleep counting shooting stars
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Botswana’s winter is May to October when the weather is hot during the day (not stiflingly hot) and cold at night. Botswana's summer months (November to April) can be hot and humid and there is a chance of rain. Botswana has one rainy season which runs between mid-December and runs through to mid-March.
The Kalahari is particularly beautiful towards the end of the rains, the rich grazing brings huge herds of eland, gemsbok and springbok into the valleys. This is the location of some of the best game viewing in Africa during the summer months.
Insider's View
Call us on 858 345 1761 to start planning your vacation to Kalahari Plains or take a look at our itineraries to Makgadikgadi and the Kalahari
Description
Kalahari Plains Camp is set in the North of Botswana's Central Kalahari Game Reserve. There are only 10 en-suite rooms, all looking out towards an endless horizon. This is the land of black-maned lions and San Bushmen - an epic wilderness.
The camp is set in a magical location in the second largest protected area in Africa. From each of the rooms and main areas, the views sweep out over an immense pan, it is quite an extraordinary sight. Until you have visited the Kalahari you won't know the meaning of 'big skies'.
The main area consists of a lounge and dining area with a swimming pool and viewing deck - it's not uncommon to see a huge black-maned lion walk across the front of camp.
Each of the rooms is en-suite and has a private sitting area at the front. All have their own sleep-out decks where you can spend an evening under the stars, it's an experience not to pass on!
Solar power provides all the electricity and hot water in the camp, and insulated canvas walls and roof keep temperatures inside the rooms comfortable year round.
Healthy wildlife populations are present in the area all year, but with the advent of the summer rains, the desert really comes to life. Plains game such as springbok and gemsbok converge in their hundreds to graze the lush, mineral rich grasses of the valleys. In turn they are followed by lion, one of the highest concentrations of cheetah in southern Africa and leopard.
In winter, the Kalahari is a typical desert. General game is still easily seen, from the carnivores to wildebeest, red hartebeest and steenbok, as well as small predators like black-backed jackal, Cape fox, honey badger and myriad mongoose species. Some 220 bird species have been recorded in the Kalahari.
Floorplans
Main Camp - Kalahari Plains
Lion - Kalahari Plains
Bedroom - Kalahari Plains
Star Bed - Kalahari Plains
Experiences
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Walking Safaris and Nature Walks
Walking in the African bush with a professional safari guide is a fantastic experience. Enjoy a completely different perspective on foot than from a vehicle.
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Walking with the Kalahari Bushmen
The San interpret the signs of the bush like no one else, all senses build a picture of their world. Beyond this, on the hunt, San tap into the spirit world, entering the minds of their quarry. This natural understanding has to be seen to be believed.
Location & directions
Central Kalahari, Makgadikgadi and the Kalahari, Botswana
Kalahari Plains Camp is located in the second largest protected area in Africa: The Central Kalahari Game Reserve. This is a very special part of Botswana, and indeed Africa. It is home to a greater diversity of wildlife than anywhere else on the continent, and is a land of ancient people: the San Bushman, and varied dramatic landscapes.
How to get there
The best way to access Kalahari Plains Camp is to fly in from your previous camp, or directly in from Maun, 1-hour to the North by air.